n Du

unyielding. Despite its intimidating exterior, I could

Inside, the Den was alive with activity. Lycans of all shapes and sizes moved purposefully, thei

stares?" I mutter

utsiders," Lucian repl

ng their king bleeding," I shot ba

elong glance but

ive fireplace roared at the far end, casting flickering light over the long wooden tables that filled the sp

aled into the heart of the fortress. The higher we climbed, the quieter it became, until th

bands. Lucian pushed it open, revealing a small chamber with

e said, stepping a

ay, my eyes scanning the

he replied, his tone lea

by the bed. The room was sparsely furnished b

d. "I'll have some

but the door had alre

ome easily. My mind churned with questions I didn't have answers to, and t

t was also a cage. And I wasn't su

he door pulled me

I called,

een eyes. She carried a tray laden with food: bread, cheese, roasted

a warm smile. "The king as

ary as I took the tray. "But

. "I'm sure you don't.

on the small table by the w

called a

the doorway, r

, gesturing vaguely in the

sadness in her eyes. "He carries a heavy burden. W

uttered, picki

oftly. "You'll

that, she

woken by the sound of

rous," someo

came Lucian's rep

d crept to the door, pr

the first voice said, low and

"And even if they do, they'll obey

followed by the sound

or swung open, revealing

d, his silver eyes

ith all the yelling," I replied

," he said, brushing

inks I'm d

ucian said dismissively. "But

ly comforted by his a

eaning against th

ut w

aze piercing. "About who you a

"I've been surviving on my own for

is bigger than survival, Seren. If you're going to be

sing. "I didn't ask to be part of anyth

tting my people at risk for a prophecy that might not even come true? Y

d to admit. I looked away, my ang

expect from me?"

the prophecy, and for our kind. Whether you like it or not

ow right

f I'm fighting, I want answers. No more half-truth

d, and for a moment, I thou

swers," he said. "B